The big day is almost here!! Pompeii is preparing to welcome Pope Leo XIV on his visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of the Rosary on Friday, May 8.
An important date, one that promises to remain etched in the collective memory of countless faithful. A date that unites faith, history, and spirituality in one of the most symbolic places in the Catholic world.
The arrival of Pope Leo XIV in Pompeii takes on even greater significance because it falls during the Marian month, a period traditionally dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is here that every year, on May 8, thousands of faithful gather to recite the Supplication to the Virgin Mary, a prayer that transcends generations and borders.
And this year, it will take on an even greater significance with the Holy Father’s visit to the Shrine. Thousands of faithful, pilgrims, and visitors from all over Italy and abroad are expected for the event, ready to experience a moment of reflection and communion.
The itinerary
The day will feature a series of lively and engaging events, designed to involve the entire community, with the Holy Father’s arrival scheduled for 8:50 a.m..
8:50 a.m. – The Holy Father arrives by helicopter
Pope Leo XIV will arrive in Pompeii by helicopter at the Sanctuary’s Meeting Area, where he will be welcomed by Monsignor Tommaso Caputo, Archbishop-Prelate of Pompeii; the Honorable Roberto Fico, President of the Campania Region. Dr. Michele Di Bari, Prefect of Naples; Dr. Gaetano Manfredi, Mayor of the Metropolitan City of Naples; Dr. Andreina Esposito, Acting Mayor of Pompeii.
9:00 a.m., visit to the Luisa Trapani Room
The Pope will then walk to the Luisa Trapani Hall, where he will meet with the “Temple of Charity”: people facing difficult circumstances who have been welcomed into the various centers of the Shrine of Pompeii.
At 9:30 a.m., the Pope will travel along some city streets in the popemobile
After concluding his visit to the Luisa Trapani Hall. Pope Leo will greet all the faithful from the popemobile as he travels along Via Roma, Via San Michele, Piazza Schettini, and Piazza Bartolo Longo.
9:45 a.m. Arrival at the sanctuary
The Pope will arrive at Piazza Bartolo Longo and enter the sanctuary. Where he will be welcomed by the Rector, Monsignor Pasquale Mocerino, who will present him with the crucifix for veneration and the water for the sprinkling. There, the Pope will meet with the sick, people with disabilities, and the elderly gathered in the sanctuary, invoking the Lord’s blessing upon them.
10:00 a.m. Arrival at the Chapel of Bartolo Longo
The Holy Father will proceed to the Chapel of St. Bartholomew Longo and pause before the remains of the founder of the Shrine of Pompeii, in the presence of the bishops and priests, who will offer a greeting to the Pope.
Beginning of the Holy Mass
10:30 a.m. – Beginning of the Solemn Mass
In the square in front of Bartolo Longo, the Eucharistic celebration will be the highlight of the visit. The homily is expected to be a call to hope, solidarity, and the rediscovery of faith as a living force. The faithful will be able to follow the event on the numerous large screens that will be set up in the square and on the adjacent streets.
12:00 p.m. – Recitation of the Supplication
The Prayer to Our Lady of Pompeii, recited in unison, will be one of the most moving moments. It is a prayer that spans generations and, on this occasion, will take on an even more universal significance.
1:00 p.m. – Lunch
2:30 p.m. – Departure
The Pope will leave Pompeii by helicopter to travel to Naples, where, after exchanging greetings, he will proceed to the cathedral. Following the prayer, he will travel by car to Piazza Plebiscito at 5:00 p.m. to meet with the public. The visit will conclude at 6:30 p.m.
